rm222's blog

      In this my eighth and final week of class I was asked to reflect on emerging technologies.  Despite my graduating from high school in the early nineties, I really still consider myself to be a digital immigrant.  It occurs to me that the students I encounter are the ones that are fascinating because they are seem to come to school with a knowledge of how to use technology.  I watched them in amazement as they marveled over the mobile laptop lab as I wheeled it into the room but then was even more shocked as my class of twenty Kindergardeners mastered the Kidspiration software within minutes and the class was completely silent, with the exception of a few students that needed help with the mouse pad at first.  

 I chose the Rcampus website as an example of a Learning Management System that I could use at my school to promote change on my Campus.  In my study group I would suggest that the design team read Marva Collins' book, "The Marva Collins' Way".  Even though her book was written almost twenty years ago, she faced a lot of the same problems we face in the school that I am currently teaching in, low test scores, unmotivated students, and a high drop out rate.  I would suggest that we read the book three chapters at a time, and answer study questions that I would develop.  We would use the ideas implemented by Mrs. Collins and apply them to our students at our school.    My study group can be found on the Rcampus website here:

 The GAME plan is well thought out map to guide my student on the path to self directed learning even at their young ages. (Laureate Education Inc., 2009). Implementing the GAME plan in my classroom helped me to develop skills needed to incorporate digital tools into my lessons.  

I used the GAME plan to inspire my student to become  digital citizens.  My students are very young and often come to my classroom at the beginning of the year having never even touched a computer before. I had to teach them basic terms like "double-click", "URL", "icon" and "web address".  After some practice using www.starfall.com and Kidspiration, we were on our way to bigger and better things.  

My GAME plan can be used  for my kindergarden students several ways.  

By creating a game plan with them, even thought they are just kindergardeners they can begin to take responsibility for their own learning.  

I can also use this GAME plan to teach them good digital citizenship.  It is not to early for them to learn the proper way to use the internet for gathering information.  

I never knew that there were so many opportunities for my young student so use social networking before taking this course.  I now know that with the proper instruction the possibilities are endless.  

This week I began to introduce the concept of voice threads to my class.  There was much excitement throughout the class and my students were eager for more.  Below are my observations for week 6:

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

I have learned that when challenged, my little students can accomplish anything!  Using technology has excited them and they are eager to learn more.  

 This week we evaluated our GAME plans based on the following questions:

How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?

Very effective.  I have found some very useful websites for implementation of the smart board in my lesson plan.  

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

I have learned to critically search the internet for specific information.  There is so much out there it can be hard to sift through what is pertinent information and what isn't.  Not everything that I came across was age appropriate.

What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?

 This  week I continue to work on my game plan.  I have found all of information that I need.  It has been  challenge to schedule use of the smart  board as my campus only has one but my campus technologist has done a great job of accommodating me.  

I am going to work this week on fine tuning my action plan.  I will have to do several small mini lessons with my class until we are comfortable with a whole group lesson using the smart board. Then gradually using the smart board independently in a center.  

So far I have learned that my students are amazing.  I know that I need to set my standards high and give them clear goals to reach them and go beyond my expectations.  

 In order to carry out my GAME plan, I will need several resources. I have contacted my Campus Technologist and requested assistance with setting up the smartboard in my classroom.  

  I am have only been teaching for five years.  The first four years I taught, I was in a first grade classroom.  It was a little easier to put an emphasis on technology when the students were older.   This year I am in Kindergarten classroom and I thought i would have my work cut out for me. After reviewing the National Education Standard for Teachers from the ISTE and have realized that I need to really work on some skill sets set forth in the standards. One area that I will constantly work on is ensuring that modeling digital-age work and learning.